THE POLICE have called on anyone with information that may lead to arrests following a shooting incident that happened in Folweni on Sunday, December 12, to come forward.

ALSO READ: Six people killed in Folweni shooting

Six people died instantly at a home in Mngadi Street after unknown gunmen arrived and randomly sprayed the shack they were sitting in with bullets at around 20:00. The seventh victim, a 27-year-old woman, later died in hospital. SAPS provincial spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker, said the police were only alerted to the incident by members of the community on Monday morning and they discovered the gruesome scene. It is unclear who alerted the police.

The dead consisted of four men and two women, aged between 26 and 32. Sipho Mthembu, 32, at whose home the murders happened was among the victims along with his girlfriend, Sanelisiwe Ngcobo. Mthembu’s mother, Thandazile, said her son had no known enemies but admitted that he used drugs. Mthembu had survived a shooting incident in July when unknown gunmen carried out a robbery at his home, taking money, cellphones and other electronics. It is not known whether the two incidents are related.

“I was busy in the main house kitchen when I suddenly heard gunshots outside and people screaming for help. Some of the bullets pierced through the kitchen door and I grabbed my grandchildren and laid down on the floor until it was quiet,” said Thandazile.

She said she unsuccessfully tried to call the police and an ambulance. As she was too scared to go out, she only saw the bodies early the next morning when the police arrived. Mthembu leaves behind two sons and the family has started making funeral arrangements. The KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, condemned the killings.

“While we are still investigating the motive behind the killing, we suspect that it may be related to criminality in the area. We are appealing to the community to come forward with information that will assist in identifying those behind the killings,” he said.

The Provincial Investigative Unit has been tasked with the investigation and anyone with information can contact the police on 086 001 0111.      

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